Back at the beginning of February, on Disney’s quarterly earnings call, Bob Iger announced a slew of new projects – one of which was the long-awaited FROZEN 3. Audiences have been asking for a FROZEN threequel since 2 dropped way back in 2019. The film is the highest grossing animated film of all time and one of my favorite animated films – and favorite sequels of all time. Back when it was released, I actually compared FROZEN 2 to EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. And if you’re laughing about that, let me just quickly explain why I think that the comparison works.
The film told a continuation of FROZEN (a film I liked but maybe did not love) in a completely unpredictable way by expanding the world, history, and relationships of all of our main characters. Also at the time, the Disney animated trope of a covert villain was still new and fresh. So when the viewer realizes that the villains are actually Anna and Elsa’s parents and forebears, it came as a pretty solid twist/shock for me. And the idea that Anna would abdicate the throne and move out of Arrendelle felt like such a game-changer of an ending. We truly were at an entirely different place than we were at the start of FROZEN 2. Anna coyly sings “Some things never change” at the beginning of FROZEN 2 but (perhaps ironically even) they most definitely do by the end. And we also received a slew of new songs including “Into The Unknown”, which is probably my favorite Disney song of the last 10 years – even more than “Un Poco Loco” from COCO and definitely more than “We don’t talk about Bruno” from ENCANTO (yeah I said it).
Anyway, it was kind of a shock when FROZEN auteur aka the writer and co-director Jennifer Lee pushed off any out a idea of completing a hypothetical trilogy by telling DEADLINE back in 2019 that she “felt done” and that while she would listen to ideas for sequels. Her full quote: “I know this sounds crazy, but I’m still hoping we did right by ‘Frozen 2’. I’m still in that overwhelming position of, our kids just went out to the world. Everything feels final, but also bittersweet. Time will tell if we have more story to tell, or if anyone even wants it. So, there you have it. [laughs] Right now, I feel very done.”
FROZEN 2 closed out its record-breaking theatrical run in the middle of a global pandemic and Jennifer Lee has largely been focused on running the Disney Animation Studio for the past few years, so most talk of FROZEN 3 was hushed – at least until February 8, 2023, when on a quarterly stock update, Bob Iger announced that FROZEN 3 was in the works. And while I have some ideas for stories, I also have two general big questions for the sequel.
First, I want to know if Jennifer Lee is going to return. I really hope so. Jennifer is the heart and soul of this franchise. Her writing FROZEN 3 and hopefully directing or co-directing as well seems to be paramount to its success, at least in my opinion. To me, Jennifer Lee is the George Lucas of the FROZEN universe and I worry it will not be the same without her. Even some of the FROZEN spin-offs have been hit and miss. I loved FROZEN FEVER. But Jennifer Lee co-wrote and co-directed that. The two Olaf shorts which she was less involved with, felt like a step down – though still a lot of fun.
Second, I also wonder whether or not the film will complete a true trilogy or just be another new FROZEN story. I think if Jennifer Lee works on it, it will feel like a continuation of the first and the second. But I also think there is a world where this could be a standalone adventure – perhaps setting the stage for future installments like TOY STORY where they are essentially standalone tales (as TOY STORY 4 basically was).
The biggest questions coming off FROZEN 2 are (1) will Anna and Elsa reunite, (2) what will Elsa learn in the Enchanted Forest with the Northudlra?, (3) and how will Anna take to being the ruler of Arrendelle without Elsa at her side, and (4). What really happened to Anna and Elsa’s parents?
Jumping off these questions, I’ve formulated some potential sequel ideas:
1. A Lore Story focused on Ahtohallan, Elsa and Anna’s parents, and their doomed voyage
In FROZEN 2, we see Elsa and Anna come upon the wreck of their parents’ ship as they journey through the Enchanted Forest. The voyage was precipitated by Agnarr and Iduna trying to find answers about Elsa’s powers and journeying up and into the Enchanted Forest via Ahtohallan – the enchanted river which imbued Elsa and the forest with powers. Inside of the remains of the royal ship, Elsa has a water vision of her parents moments before their ship was engulfed by a wave and sunk. In the wake of further reveals down the road in the film, we are left to assume that the wrath of Ahtohallan/the forest possibly accounted for the waves and storm that brought Agnarr and Iduna’s ship down.
But this is never really confirmed and I still think there might be more to know about this voyage. There are a ton of people on youtube who think Agnarr and Iduna are still alive. Maybe, maybe not. But if they are not – there is still a lot more to know about their fate. Were they partially sabotaged? Did Ahtohallan make a mistake or go to far in its wrath? And what else is there to know about Ahtohallan and its relationship to Elsa, the Northuldra, and Arrendelle. I think these are all questions, I would most like answered or expanded upon in a third FROZEN film.
2. The Return of Hans
Disney seems to be returning to traditional villains as the release of the trailer for the upcoming animated film WISH seems to indicate, so perhaps there is a world where Hans returns in some way for part 3. I’m sure Jennifer Lee would think of an original way to bring him back because doing so runs the risk of being repetitive – even though it would probably be welcomed by a lot of fans who may have been put off by some of the left turns of FROZEN 2. But I also think Jennifer Lee is not one to repeat herself so I don’t think this would happen if she is the main writer and artistic force behind FROZEN 2. Also bringing legacy characters back from a first film when the second took some left turns has happened (see INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE, RETURN OF THE JEDI, and even RISE OF SKYWALKER). So you never know!
3. Arrival of a Previously Missing Relative (that makes a claim for the throne)
This would be another case of a traditional Disney villain entering the picture in a “trojan horse” capacity, this time as a close relative coming in as a welcome and needed addition when an overworked Anna needs help – maybe with a new baby (see the next idea) – but then making a play for the throne or the Enchanted Forest’s resources. Perhaps Agnarr’s sister or Iduna’s brother or aunt (who could be Northuldran) could enter the picture. Either choice would put Anna in a compromised position where she would likely seek Elsa’s counsel and help and would reunite the sisters (again one of the big questions of FROZEN 2) in a common cause.
4. Kristoff and Anna have a baby
Having a child has long been a staple of sitcom TV storytelling and even though this is a movie series, the emphasis on family makes me think that Anna having a baby could be a possibility. Hear me out. It would bring in a new and potentially interesting character that could have a lasting change on her world outlook, her relationship with Kristoff, and in the way Olaf was viewed as a character (who has always seemed like the defacto younger brother to Anna and Elsa to me). And it could definitely have an effect on Elsa as well – especially if the baby has powers from Ahtohallan like Elsa. I think this would be another way to bring Elsa back to Arrendelle, this time as a counselor/mentor/teacher who could teach the child and learn more about herself and her powers while re-bonding with her sister Anna. This could also be a way to keep Elsa in Arrendelle (something some fans have wanted) permanently – in a way that would not feel like a rejection of her bond to the Northuldra and subsequent move to the Enchanted Forest.
5. Anna and Elsa leave Arrendelle for a foreign shore/country on a diplomatic mission
I like this idea – specifically if we could see the FROZEN world embracing another culture within their world, much like the Northuldra, we could see new worlds, people, and even clothes and food. It could be inspired by our world – again like the Northuldra and Arrendelle as well – but have that FROZEN-style spin on it. Imagine if Anna and Elsa travel to an African, Latin, or Asian-inspired world – I would love to see the buildings, homes, clothing, etc… But my one caveat would be that the sheer nature of this plot would mean for story and world creation, this feels like more of a standalone than a continuation of the trilogy. And that, at least for me, is the only downside. Surely some themes would be revisited but I could also see an adventure like this being its own thing.
6. An Olaf origin story/ solo journey outside of Arrendelle
This might be more of a b-story or sub-plot than the main story. I would liken this storyline’s placement in the greater story of FROZEN 3 to Mater’s story in CARS 2 where he is recruited to be a spy and for a while it feels like the main story in the film but is ultimately tied back into Lightning’s story. Olaf could leave Arrendelle to find out more about his origin, if there are others like him, and what it means now that he is presumably living without his creator Elsa. Or maybe someone could mistake him for a spy! 😛
7. Kristoff Hates Castle Life as Anna Works All Day (and may also be miserable)
Again, this is probably more of a b-story than an actualy storyline. This feels more like fanfic though – as, in my opinion, there is no way Jennifer Lee would make Kristoff this selfish or inconsiderate towards Anna’s responsibilities – but friction exists between Anna and Kristoff in each of the two previous installments so I could 100% see something come between them in their new capacities in the castle, even if it was not perhaps this fleshed out or toxic.
8. Elsa Falls In Love
This is a storyline that Jennifer Lee has been ADAMANTLY against for a long time. And a love interest for Elsa could really divide fans if it happened. But I think this is a great risk/great reward storyline. I think we all know that Elsa has long been linked as a member of the LGBTQ+ community so I think if they made her fall for a CIS man it would be… not great and would certainly disappoint so many Elsa fans. At the same time, linking her officially as a lesbian could put off more conservative viewers. But I also don’t think Disney cares – or should. They just need to do it well. This would be unexpected in a story sense as Elsa’s daring independence has always defined her – and yet it makes complete sense for Elsa, who has always seemed lonely. Again, this is a very delicate storyline that could backfire but it also could be revolutionary. You have to be brave sometimes. Having said all this, I think there’s a strong chance that Jennifer Lee will likely kick this plot idea down the road to a future installment but I’d still love to see it at some point.
9. New Clothes and Looks for Anna and Elsa
This is 100% happening. And while some may be cynical and say new costumes and hairstyles are offered to sell toys, I don’t care. I love seeing Elsa and Anna’s new looks on both toy shelves and in the parks with every installment. And I get it – this may not seem like a real STORYLINE but come on, we all love Elsa and Anna’s new looks for each installment. FROZEN FEVER is still my favorite look (probably) and so I eagerly look forward to each new costume and look with every short or new film.
10. A Story About Pabbie and the Trolls
Pabbie and the trolls really took a back seat in FROZEN 2 so I think bringing them back for either the main plot or a good subplot would be a fun and welcome idea. They were such a humorous, magical and warm part of FROZEN that I really missed their presence in part 2. And I think there is still more to learn about their relationship with the Northuldra as well – especially considering the Rock Giant introduced in FROZEN 2 and how he might relate back to the Trolls as either a friend or foe – and possible relative.
I think a lot of these could be combined into one story – Anna and Elsa leave for a foreign country along with Olaf going on a journey – OR Anna and Kristoff have a baby along with the arrival of a new relative at the castle (as a potential villain of course).
I can’t wait to return to Arrendelle soon. What are your favorite ideas? Did you like any of these?
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